The early days of City Museum
Join us to hear Tim Tucker and Matt Philpott as they share memories of working with Bob and Gail Cassilly
Join us on May 18th for our next Unseen STL History talks at Spine Indie Bookstore and Cafe, 1976 Arsenal St. in St. Louis. It starts at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6).
Tim Tucker and Matt Philpott will share stories about the early days of City Museum, their roles in assisting Bob and Gail Cassilly in creating one of St. Louis's most iconic, beloved, and globally-acclaimed attractions. They will also consider how City Museum has a role in the wider story of urban renewal in St. Louis.
Embark on a captivating journey as they recount stories from the early days of City Museum and how they played crucial roles in transforming the Cassillys’ vision into reality. And learn how City Museum sparked a renaissance, turning the once-deserted Garment District into the bustling Washington Avenue Residential Loft District.
Don’t miss this event, which offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes as we explore the history and compelling origins of City Museum.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is extremely limited, and we encourage arriving early. Spine Bookstore will provide a livestream on Facebook for those unable to attend, and we will share video and audio links here on Unseen St. Louis after the event.
About the speakers:
Tim Tucker is the grandson of Ray Tucker, a three-term mayor of St. Louis (1953-65). He holds an Urban Studies degree from Washington University. He served as the Director of the Relocation Division at LCRA and played a significant role in St. Louis Centre. Tim set up the International Building Company and managed projects such as City Museum, the renovation of Statler Lennox Renaissance Grand Convention Hotel, and the Merchandise Mart renovation. He also renovated and resided in homes in the Central West End, Lafayette Square, Parkview, Loft District, and Benton Park.
As a former Chairman of the Development Committees in Lafayette Square and the Central West End Association, Tim contributed greatly to the community. He acted as the Eads District manager of the Riverfront Trail, co-owned the Cottonbelt building, and facilitated the development of the WA Kerr Foundation Building. With 47 years as a city resident, Tim has served on numerous boards and commissions, showcasing his dedication to the city's progress.
Matt Philpott is a fourth-generation St. Louisan and great-grandchild of a shirt manufacturer who operated just one block from what would later become City Museum building. Growing up in U City before the era of Mapquest or Google Maps, Matt still provides directions based on landmarks that no longer exist (e.g. Famous-Barr, Parkmoor Diner) and refers to Interstate 64 as Highway "farty."
Throughout Matt's professional life in St. Louis, he has spent over 26 years working in the Washington Ave Garment/Loft District. Initially, he worked for Bob and Gail Cassilly (1995-2004), helping to create and operate City Museum. Later, Matt joined US Bank's Community Development Corporation (2005-2021), where he provided investment financing for historic rehab developments and low-income community businesses in St. Louis and across the country.